TheVisitor
Asbury First United Methodist Church Newsletter November/December 2016 • Vol. L No. 9 • www.asburyfirst.org
IN THIS ISSUE A Pastoral Reflection 3 Community News 4 Advent & Christmas News 5 AFUMC News 10 Financial Update 14 Community & Outreach Needs 16 Library News 17 The Last Word 19
MISSION STATEMENT
The Visitor
Through worship, education, outreach, and care, we develop disciples of Jesus Christ who live and proclaim the Gospel and thereby work to transform our culture.
Vol. L No. 9
(USPS 558-470) is published 10 times a year, monthly with combined issues for November/December and July/August, by Asbury First United Methodist Church. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to Asbury First UMC Visitor 1050 East Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14607-2239 (585) 271-1050
FOUR WAYS TO WORSHIP AT ASBURY FIRST Traditional Worship in our Sanctuary 8:30 & 11 am Sunday mornings
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II Senior Minister Kathy Thiel Minister for Pastoral Care and Outreach Katie O’Hern Minister for Discipleship and Mission David Strong Music Administrator; Assistant Organist Dr. William Weinert Director of Music Paula Dugan Children’s Ministry Director Holly Temming Children’s Ministry Assistant; Director, Children’s Music Mike Mullin Youth Minister Richard Moncrief Financial Administrator Morgan Dornsife Development Director Melody Guadagnino Administrative Assistant Ken Carr Property Care Manager Michele Cooley Dining & Caring Center Director Jamie Least Communications Coordinator Duane Prill Organist Carol Lamica Director, Youth Music Elizabeth Church Director, Bell Choir Brian Bohrer Director, Asbury Singers Larry Dugan Director, Youth Theater Linda Clemow Artist-in-Residence
Emeriti Staff
Rev. Dr. Theodore Weeden, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Dr. Roger Wilhelm, Director of Music Emeritus Marian R. Craighead*, Organist Emeritus *deceased Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Greg Francis. Cover Photo Credit: Jamie Least
Please send all submissions, questions, comments, or concerns to communications@asburyfirst.org or 585-271-1050, x109. Deadline for submitting content to the next issue: January 13, 2017
Chancel Worship with Holy Communion 10 am Sunday Mornings Watch live at www.asburyfirst.org 11 am Sunday mornings Listen on WYSL 1040 AM or 92.1 FM 11 am-noon Sunday mornings
Watch past services in our video archive at asburyfirst.org any time!
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT Asbury First United Methodist Church prayerfully strives to live in its community with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Affirming that each person is of sacred worth, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children, created in God’s image, loved and blessed equally by God. It is our purpose to be a Reconciling Congregation. This means extending hospitality and encouraging full participation of all, regardless of age, race, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status or family structure, education or economic background, and physical or mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry.
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER To receive our email newsletters, with news of upcoming services, classes, and other events at Asbury First, go to asburyfirst.org and scroll to the bottom of the home page, where you’ll see a sign-up window.
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A Pastoral Reflection Gifts | Kathy Thiel
For God so loved the world that God gave God’s only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. ( John 3:16) What a gift! We are approaching the season that focuses on the birth of Jesus, God’s holy gift to the world, and with this focus, we have an opportunity to think about what a gift Christ is in our lives. We will also begin to think about what to give each other for Christmas. There is a story about a group of young girls who lived a long time ago in a small town. Into this small town moved a family with a boy about their age. These girls noticed that the boy came to school with ragged clothing and without a hat to guard against the chill weather. The girls asked one of their parents why this boy didn’t have the things they enjoyed, simple as they were. As they came to understand that this new family did not have enough money to provide these items of clothing, and might not have enough money to feed themselves the nourishing food that the girls enjoyed, these girls felt sad. Their parents encouraged them to befriend the new boy, and they did. The girls also came up with the idea to gather together some clothes and food and give it to the family. Because the parents thought the family might be embarrassed by the gift, the girls left their gift on the front stoop of the boy’s house without a note, and waited to see how the family responded when they found the basket filled with goodies. The girls watched from a distance as the basket was found and taken into the house. And then they waited. They waited for a person to come running out of the house and throw their arms around each one of them, kissing their cheeks and exclaiming at their generosity: “How could ten-year old girls be so thoughtful! You are extraordinary girls!” No such thank-you’s were rendered. In fact, nothing at all was said to these girls. When the boy wore the scarf that was in the basket, he did not say to them, “This was a most beautiful gift, whoever knitted it must be very talented!” But he never referred to the scarf. The girls were disappointed, and complained to one of their parents. “Girls,” the parent began, “Why did you give these gifts?” “Because they were needed,” the girls responded. “Did you give them with an expectation that you would be praised and thanked for your generosity?” The girls thought about this and realized that they had expected to receive something in return for their gift. This is a very human response! We all want to be acknowledged for our actions, our thoughtfulness, our love. Sometimes when we don’t receive an acknowledgement for our gift, we become offended, and say, “Well, I am not giving you a gift again.” This is our humanity. We want to be appreciated and to know that what we have done makes a difference. God is not like this. Whether or not we respond to God’s gift of love, God keeps loving us, God keeps giving us this gift. God’s love is unconditional, and there is nothing we can do to take away that love! It is for everyone! On those days we may forget to pray, or be too distracted to think about God, God still loves us. Whatever we do or say, however we express ourselves, whatever we feel or think, God still loves us. Hallelujah! In this season of giving, when we remember the great gift God gave in Jesus, and when we recognize around us the unconditional love that God gives to all of us, may we give thanks for this and live in to the love of God in all that we do. Blessings,
Kathy Thiel
Worship
worship schedule SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27
SUNDAY DECEMBER 11
SUNDAY DECEMBER 18
8:30 am – Traditional Worship
Matthew 24:36-44
Matthew 11:2-11
Matthew 1:18-25
10 am – Chancel Worship with
Katie O’Hern, Preacher
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady,
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady,
Holy Communion
SUNDAY DECEMBER 4
Preacher
Preacher
11 am – Traditional Worship
Matthew 3:1-12
SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES
with Sanctuary Choir
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Preacher 3
Community News Our Living
in Community
Deaths – We offer our prayers and sympathy to … Herb and Ann Englehardt on the death of their son Dale Englehardt on September 23, 2016 in Springwater, NY. The family and friends of Patricia Pawley who died on October 1, 2016. Jeanne Stickney on the death of her mother Evelyn Stickney on October 4, 2016.
Shari and Hank Mattice on the death of Shari’s brother, Ervin Lynn Suydam on October 9 in St. Louis, MO.
Lucas David Richardson and Penelope Jane Richardson, son and daughter of Keith and Abigail Richardson, baptized on October 16, 2016.
The family and friends of Rev. Allen Keiper who died on October 12, 2016.
Marriages – We celebrate the marriage of …
Mary Hyder on the death of her daughterin-law Brenda Hyder on October 21, 2016.
Elizabeth Gallea and David Horning, married on September 17, 2016.
Ann and Timothy Johnson on the death of Ann’s uncle Jim Folden on October 21, 2016 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Courtney Foreman and Scott Handy, married on October 22, 2016.
Paula Dugan and family on the death of her uncle James Rogers on October 4 2016. Lin Vanderstyne and Amy Polisseni on the death of Lin’s step father and Amy’s step grandfather, Richard Secrist on October 7, 2016.
Baptisms – We celebrate the baptism of …
Stevie Welch and Shahid Ansari, married on September 10, 2016.
Madison Joy Krempin and Sophia Rose Krempin, daughters of Matt and Amy Krempin, baptized on October 9, 2016.
Thanksgiving In-Gathering Sunday, November 20 Each year we gather on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to give thanks for all that God has given us, and to pass on our gratitude in the form of items to support our outreach ministries—something we call our “Thanksgiving In-Gathering.” You are invited to review the list of needed items below, and join with others in bringing a gift of whatever items you wish to services on November 20. That day, at the offertory, we will bring forward our gifts and present them at the altar. For the Dining and Caring Center: Coffee, sugar, grits, men’s tube socks, men’s winter gloves (large & x-large), men’s winter hats, travel size toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and single-pack tooth brushes. For the Storehouse: Children’s toys. For the Grocery Bag Ministry: Tuna fish, mac & cheese mix, soups, canned fruit, boxes of spaghetti, and pasta sauce.
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Advent and Christmas News
Looking Ahead To December’s Advent Events
❆ Labyrinth Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14 5-7 pm ❆ Taizé Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14 6-6:45 pm ❆ A Service of Remembrance Sunday, December 11 2 pm-We remember our loved ones who are no longer with us with a meditative service of word, music, and communion, and the lighting of the remembrance candles. ❆ Advent’s Winter Wonder Night (for children and families) Sunday, December 4 5-7 pm-Come join us for dinner, fellowship, and storytelling.
❆ Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24 12 noon-A Service of Word, Carols and Holy Communion. 4 pm-A Service for Families and Children featuring the Children's Pageant. 7 pm-A Service of Word, Lessons & Carols. 9 pm-A Service of Word, Carols and Holy Communion. 11 pm-A Service of Word, Lessons & Carols. All Christmas Eve services except 4 pm feature candlelight. ❆ Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 10 am- Lessons & Carols Poetry and music One service only this Sunday ❆ New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31 5-6 pm-Communion and Meditation Come and go as you wish. Labyrinth will be available. ❆ New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1 10 am-A service of covenant renewal One service only this Sunday
Mark Your Calendars On Sunday December 25 and Sunday January 1 there will be one service only at 10 am. 5
Join us for a Meal on Christmas Eve As we’ve done in years past, we invite everyone participating in the Christmas Eve services to a special Christmas Eve meal from 5:30-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. RSVPs are helpful, but as always everyone is welcome!
Advent and Christmas News Hanging of the Greens Wednesday, November 30
The early Christians placed greens in their windows to indicate that Christ had entered the home—greens such as cedar for royalty, fir and pine boughs for everlasting life, holly symbolizing the death of Jesus, and ivy representing the resurrection. And so it is time for us to once again prepare our church home for Advent. The church campus awaits
your special touches for this Christmas season. Many hands are needed to complete everything in one afternoon and evening.
for the front doors. Decorate trees in the Education Wing and 1050 East Avenue (the church office building), hang wreaths and lights outside. 5:30 pm – Join the children and families for dinner in the Gathering Center. 6:45 pm – Finish whatever hasn’t been completed. 7 pm - Lighting of the tree and caroling in front of the church.
Our schedule is: 10 am – Set up the Gathering Center tree and tree in 1010 East Avenue. 1 pm – Decorate Fellowship Hall window wells and start on Gathering Center tree. 3–6 pm – Make wreaths
Come and go as you can, bring the children, bring your friends. As we say, “Whatever you do, just come!” Many hands make light work and finishing it on Wednesday will have the church ready for the season. Come and join in the fellowship of the Hanging of the Greens! Interested? Contact Paula Kuempel at 262-2511 or kuempel84@gmail.com
Labyrinth Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14 5-7 pm New Year’s Eve 4-6 pm Come, walk, and listen to beautiful music as you experience some quiet, meditative time during Advent.
Christmas Altar Poinsettia Donation Form
Given by_________________________________________________ (please print clearly) Phone: Day__________________Evening__________________ Please check one of the following and print the names clearly: ____in loving memory of: ____________________________________ ____in honor or celebration of: ________________________________ ____a donation. Please return this form to the church office, attention Melody Guadagnino, no later than Tuesday, December 6. Please include your donation. Checks should be made payable to Asbury First UMC Altar Guild. Thank you, and have a very merry Christmas! 6
Advent and Christmas News
Calling All Kids: Annual Christmas Pageant
Children’s Ministry Presents
Advent’s Winter Wonder Night Sunday December 4 | Gathering Center | 5-7pm
If you’re a 3rd-5th grader and interested in a speaking part in our Annual Christmas Eve Pageant, come to Bible Beat during the 11 am service on November 20th. We will read through the script and children will have an opportunity to read for roles they are interested in.
You are invited to leave behind the hustle and bustle this season brings for one evening, don your pajamas, and enjoy a breakfast/dinner in the Gathering Center. We will round out the evening with special Christmas music and a family worship service in the Sanctuary. We hope you can join us as we look forward to sharing the magic of the season with you and your family. Please RSVP to Paula Dugan by November 30 at pdugan@asburyfirst.org or by calling 271-1050 x111.
Pageant rehearsals are held during Bible Beat and Enrichment on Sundays December 4, 11, and 18. We will have two dress rehearsals on December 21 and 23. Registration forms with more detailed information are available upstairs in the Education Wing. For questions, contact Paula Dugan, Children’s Ministry Director, (585) 271-1050.
Carols and Cocoa Around the Christmas Tree Wednesdays During Advent | Outside | 7 pm Join us as we gather together to sing carols and enjoy hot cocoa outside around the Christmas tree each Wednesday during Advent. Starting at 7 pm, we will join in singing Christmas favorites, welcoming new faces, and seeing old friends. Come before or after your Wednesday activities! Bring a friend! 7
Advent and Christmas News Room at the Inn: Welcoming Visitors this Holiday Season The holiday season is fast approaching, and before we know it the Advent wreath will appear in the Sanctuary, Christmas trees will be decorated around campus and in our homes, and it will be Christmas Eve once again. As the light of Christmas grows ever brighter, we recognize that the holiday season brings many visitors to Asbury First. Some faces will be familiar, while others will be new to us. Students will return home for the holidays, family will come into town to visit, and those who may have drifted away from the church will feel a pull toward the hopeful promise and joyful good news we celebrate and proclaim during this season. Asbury First seeks to be a warm and welcoming congregation, and our mission of hospitality is of particular importance during the holiday season. The central story of Christmas, after all, is of a family being welcomed and offered a place to find shelter. We are thankful for the many volunteers who offer hospitality in official ways, from ushers and greeters to the teams who provide snacks during fellowship hour to those who sit at the Welcome Desk answering questions and pointing people in the right direction. But we couldn’t be the hospitable community we are without the participation of every member of the Asbury First community. Throughout the year, and especially during this Advent and Christmas season, we ask each person to think about how they might be even more welcoming to visitors. You might: -Wear your nametag, so that visitors know you are someone who can help them find their way. -Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know (even if they might not be a visitor!). -Sit in a different pew so that you might see some new faces. -Park toward the back end of the parking lot, so that visitors who may arrive later than you can park closer to the building. -Start a conversation with someone you don’t know in the Gathering Center. -Invite a friend or neighbor to worship services or other events at Asbury First throughout the holiday season. -Volunteer to be a hospitality volunteer. There is a special need for ushers and greeters for Christmas Eve services. Whether you try some of these ideas or find other ways to be welcoming and hospitable, we are grateful for your presence at Asbury First. May each person who walks through our doors know the hope of Advent and the joy of Christmas!
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Advent and Christmas News
Craft Sale to Benefit Asbury First Storehouse
Christmas for Storehouse Kids We at the Storehouse are already thinking of Christmas! The Storehouse is now receiving toy donations in order to reach more families before Christmas. Donations may be brought on Sunday mornings through December 18. The Storehouse has an abundance of hats and mittens for winter, so we are asking that donations at the time of the In-gathering also be toys. As always, thank you for your donations making a “merry” Christmas possible for many of our Storehouse shoppers.
Saturday & Sunday December 3 &4 Saturday 10 am-4 pm Sunday 8:30 am-2 pm The annual Christmas Arts and Crafts sale will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, 2016. Come and bring your friends as well. This is a great place to do your Christmas shopping. Hours on Saturday are 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, 8:30 am to 2 pm.
Holiday Shopping? Support AFUMC at the Same Time! You shop. Amazon gives. • Choose Asbury First and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to AFUMC. • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support our community by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.
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AFUMC News Let’s Go Orange! Join us for an Asbury First Basketball Road Trip Come join new and old friends at the Syracuse Basketball/Asbury First Trip! It’s a noon ACC matchup in the Carrier Dome on Saturday, January 28 featuring SU and Florida State. We’ll safely travel via motor coach, departing from Asbury at 9:30 am. Approximate return time is 4 pm. We have reserved 55 seats for this exciting trip. Thanks to donations and a discounted group price, the total cost is $35 for adults and $15 for youth (12 and under). To reserve your tickets and transportation, send a check for the correct amount to the church office, noting the number of desired tickets (attention to Melody Guadagnino). Join this wonderful winter sports tradition, wear your orange and be ready to cheer with fellow SU fans. It’s a great trip for all ages and there’s even SU themed prizes given out on the bus! Questions about the trip or need more details, feel free to call Craig Dennison at 507-9655.
Syracuse Vs. Florida State Saturday January 28
Calling All Young Adults: Join Us for a Pilgrimage to Taize! The Taizé Community is a monastic community founded in 1940 and located in the small village of Taizé, France. Taizé is home to over a hundred monastic brothers, who come from Catholic and Protestant traditions. The brothers live and work together, spending much of their time in worship and prayer. Taizé describes itself as “a parable of community that wants its life to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples.” Taizé is known for its particular style of meditative songs, which Asbury First sings at Taizé-style services during Advent and Lent. The songs are short, simple, and sung repetitively. “They express a basic reality of faith that can quickly be grasped by the intellect, and that gradually penetrates the heart and the whole being.” Since its founding, Taizé has become a destination for pilgrims from around the world. Speaking different languages and following different Christian (or non-Christian) traditions, the pilgrims are invited to spend a week living alongside the brothers. Pilgrims work to help maintain the community, spend time in individual and group reflection, and experience the full worship life of Taizé. In May of 2017, a group of young adults from Asbury First will be traveling as pilgrims to Taizé. The community asks that those who visit be between the ages of 18 and 29. If you are interested in learning more, applying to attend, or supporting this trip, please email Mike Mullin (mmullin@asburyfirst.org) or Katie O’Hern (kohern@asbury.org). Application deadline is December 1, 2016; space is limited to ten participants. What: Pilgrimage to Taizé Who: Young adults from Asbury First When: May 18-28, 2017 Estimated Cost: $1300, all-inclusive For more information: Mike Mullin (mmullin@asburyfirst.org) or Katie O’Hern (kohern@asbury.org) 10
AFUMC News Churchwide Fall Retreat 2016 Many members of the Asbury First community expressed a dream to bring back the tradition of churchwide retreats, and so we did! This year we gathered at a new location, Dunkirk Camp & Conference Center, for a weekend of fellowship, Bible study, worship, and relaxation. The retreat began on Friday night with a roaring fire in the fireplace and a very large circle of Asbury members getting to know each other better. We played a fun game in which the goal was to get some one to smile. It was the best way to start off the weekend. On Saturday the weather was gloomy outside, but together we made the best of it. After a delicious breakfast we had a multi-generational Bible study and break out groups, and in the afternoon there were hikes along the waters edge, crafts in the craft barn, games in the game room, and just some R and R.The evening ended with live music and a “call the dance.” Young and old came together, held hands, and circled around, as the square dance caller told us what to do. This was the highlight of the retreat. The weekend ended with a meaningful worship service, in which we gathered together one last time to thank God for this opportunity to come together as one in Christ. Stay tuned for more information about churchwide retreats in the future. We hope to make this an annual tradition once again!
“The hoedown and square dancing was a hoot. It was the highlight of the weekend.“
“I felt like we were all one family on an adventure!”
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AFUMC News What we loved about this year’s churchwide fall retreat:
“I loved sharing the dining table with different people each meal. The food was great, but the conversations were even better.”
“I loved getting to know younger members of our church family, being with my family and church family, and the walk outside on the path.”
“I got to know people that I didn’t know before. I thank God for that opportunity.”
“Can’t wait until we do this again! It was so much fun.”
“Rev. Stephen led us in a very fun game the first night, and it made everyone laugh. It was an awesome way to start the retreat.” “The hoedown on Saturday night was a blast. I can’t remember a time when my entire family danced together for hours. We had so much fun!”
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AFUMC News Interfaith Educational Community Series Event Are you curious about what other faith traditions believe? Would you like to learn about the differences between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed Judaism? Do you want to know what Sikhs believe? Join us on the first Tuesdays of each month for the coming months as we host our sisters and brothers, our neighbors in different faiths. A faith leader and a member or two from these communities will be here with us to share about their culture, tenets of their faith and traditions. Our hope is to make differing religious faiths less a mystery and more about dialogue and continued conversation. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers, and a time of fellowship afterward. On Tuesday, December 6th we will host our friends from the Jewish community. These events will take place in the Gathering Center, from 7 to 8:30pm. All are welcome! Interfaith Educational Community Series Events Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - Judaism Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - Buddhism Tuesday, February 7, 2017 - Spiritus Christi Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - Sikhism Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - Spiritualism Tuesday, May 1, 2017 - B’Hai
A Special Choir for Dementia Patients and their Care Partners Beginning Monday, January 9 | 10 am | Wesley Hall This winter, Asbury First is embarking on a novel journey that we hope will enhance the quality of life of our members and others with memory loss and their care partners. Shortly after the new year, we plan to start a ‘special chorus’ of individuals suffering from dementia together with their care partners. We expect the chorus would meet once a week for 1- 2 hours for practice and socializing with a plan to perform occasionally at Asbury First and throughout the community if they so choose. No musical background is required. Groups such as this have been created around the country and have proven to uniquely enhance the lives of this population. If you are caring for a loved one or know of someone who is and would be interested in learning more about this choir, please contact Mary Berk at maryberk@rochester.rr.com or the church office. All are welcome!
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Stewardship Campaign 2017
By now, you have heard all about (and possibly joined in!) “DREAM TO LIFE”, our Stewardship Campaign theme for this year. The Stewardship Committee is thrilled once again to be supporting the amazing ministries of the Asbury First community in partnership with our ministers, staff, committees, and volunteers. Please take time to prayerfully consider your commitment to giving during 2017. We hope you will join us and so many others at Asbury First in making a pledge to help our dreams—like the AFUMC Church Retreat—come to life. Read on for more about what these dreams entail! Thank you for your commitment and generosity to Asbury First.
Elisabeth M. Bischoff-Ormsbee Chair, Stewardship Committee
“The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’” (Luke 17:20-21)
Update on The Reverend Susan S. Shafer Pastoral Care Endowment First and foremost—thank you. Your contributions are already helping to sustain the pastoral care ministry at Asbury First. The campaign to honor the outstanding ministry of Reverend Susan Shafer was held in the spring of 2015. Contributions of over $300,000 received in 2015 allowed the Trustees to allocate $15,500 to the 2016 Annual Operating Plan, while reasonably ensuring that the base Endowment will last forever. Through additional contributions and investment return, the Fund had grown to $450,000 by June of 2016, allowing the Trustees to increase the allocation to $21,000 for the 2017 Annual Operating Plan. Pledges received in 2015 totaled just over $600,000. As pledges are paid down, and as additional contributions and return on investment from the base Endowment are received, the Fund will continue to grow, allowing increased amounts to be allocated to the Pastoral Care Ministry. This also frees annual stewardship contributions to be used to fund other ministries and programs here at Asbury First. Additional contributions are welcome at anytime. For those of age 70 ½ and older (facing a required minimum distribution from your IRA account), a charitable contribution to this Fund would be free of taxes, allowing you to support this vital ministry and reduce your tax burden at the same time. If you want to consider this option please contact Morgan Dornsife at mdornsife@asburyfirst.org or 585271-1050 x112 who can provide you with information to discuss with your legal and/or financial advisor. Thank you to all who pledge each year. Your time, talent, and treasure, which you have chosen to invest here, are deeply valued and appreciated. And thank you to all for your prayerful consideration this year. Working together, we will bring these dreams to life! 14
Dream to Life Dream to Life
Stewardship Campaign 2017
ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2017 Pledge Goal: $1,175,000 2016 Pledges Raised: $1,075,607 I/we offer this gift to the annual operating budget: $
Total Pledge for 2017 Frequency
Amount Per Gift
❑ Weekly $ ❑ Monthly $
How Does the New Budget Really Make a Difference?
❑ Annually $ ❑
$
In addition, I/we offer a designated gift:
Talking About Small Group Ministries with Katie O’Hern
$ to be used for
In the year and a half I’ve been at Asbury First, I’ve heard many people share how their connection to their small group or Sunday School class has impacted their faith journey. I’m grateful for the many ways people are already connected to one another and to God through Asbury First, and I know that there are many more opportunities to invite people to connect. A funded AOP gives us the resources to invest in small group curriculum, to host common meals and fellowship opportunities, and to find new ways to build relationships within our community. It is these relationships that form and transform us, helping us to live faithfully and move ever onward toward perfection! Support the ministries of Asbury First by making a pledge to the annual stewardship campaign. Complete the pledge card to the right and mail it to: Asbury First United Methodist Church Attn: Dick Moncrief 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
Estimated total giving for 2017 $ Optional: I/we would also like: (Choose any that may apply) ❑ To give via electronic funds transfer (EFT) ❑ To receive envelopes
❑ Weekly
❑ Monthly
❑ To speak with someone about my pledge Name(s): Address:
Email:
Thank you for your comitment and generosity to Asbury First!
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Community Outreach & Needs Ministry & Space Update We need Asbury Welcome Desk volunteers on Sunday Mornings!
Our church office building is the historic Wilson Soule House, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style by local architect J. Foster Warner and was built in 1892. This landmark building, that we also know as 1050 has been beautifully maintained and is in excellent condition. Due to changes in the City Fire Code, we are now able to utilize the third floor for the first time in over 50 years. This third floor, representing over 3000 square feet, was originally living space, and is divided into a number of rooms of varying sizes. In order to make it usable, a complete refurbishment needs to occur including insulation, heating and air conditioning, lighting, plumbing and wall repair.
A person can volunteer at the desk 1 hour, 2 hours...or what ever time you have. We are flexible! The Welcome Desk is open between the hours of 8:15 am to 12:15 pm Sunday mornings. Volunteers will greet people as they approach, hand out name tags if they have ordered them, hand out visitor welcome bags, answer questions and guide them. It is a great way to meet people! If you have questions or are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Janda Hemming at jhemming01@earthlink. net or 381-6902.
As part of our week “Together In Service” our youth collected school supplies for families in need. Because of your generosity we were able to make 20 school supply kits which were sent to Louisiana through UMCOR. Thank you for your support!!
Have Something to Share? Check Out the Display Case! Hopefully you noticed the beautiful displays with pictures from this year’s Vacation Bible School created by Paula Dugan and Holly Temming or announcement of the Dinner Among Friends created by Beth and Dean Woolever, or the youth in our event mission. The display case is a great way to showcase your church group or highlight liturgical seasons. If you have an idea for the display case, please contact the Church Library Committee which maintains the calendar for its use. Members of the Committee are: Diana Carter, Monica Gilligan, Joanne Hines, Bonnie Kay, Peggy Lyons, Carol Roote, Kathy Schwar, and Beth Woolever.
Together in Service 2016: Thank You Children’s Sunday School Classes!
We are also looking at adding an elevator to access all floors. The elevator would be located near the back of 1050, near the copy room. As a part of this project, we will re-work the entrance to 1050 through changes to the back porch. This new main entrance will allow all people to enter at grade and take either the elevator or a new staircase to a re-configured reception area on the main level. We will also add an accessible restroom. The Ministry & Space team continues to work on this and many other projects. We expect to present our finding in town-hall style meetings later this year, and hold a special Church Conference in the New Year. Should you have any questions, please contact Chuck Hanrahan at 383-8794 or chuck.hanrahan@gmail.com.
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Library News November 2016
It’s November—fall is here and winter is coming, bringing the Thanksgiving holiday and more time indoors and extra reading time. Here are some November Resource Library selections that will help you choose books for this season. Take a look at the below book selections for all ages. They are just a few of the many possibilities available for loan in the Church Resource Library. Everyone is welcome! Come in and browse. Winterdance: the Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen Read for your own pleasure, recommend to the young adults you know, and excerpt to read aloud to younger children. It is a spellbinding account of the author’s preparation for and running of the Iditarod. This 272page book tells of snowstorms, frostbite, dogfights, moose attacks, sleeplessness, and hallucinations.
Books for All Ages Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Jim LaMarche Witness the changing of a season through a watchful child’s eyes in this story of nature and discovery from award-winning author Tony Johnston and New York Times Best Illustrated artist Jim La Marche. The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood A quiet, reflective piece for all, but especially appropriate for ages 4-8, on the importance of a grateful attitude. In this 32-page book, Wood (Old Turtle) shares a life lesson sure to inspire: that true happiness lies in giving thanks and appreciating all there is to be thankful for.
Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God’s World by David Beckmann and Arthur Simon Every time we give thanks, every time we say grace at a meal, we are reminded that our daily bread is a gift from God--and is a gift to share. Here is a book that shows us God’s heart and how we can help to end hunger in God’s world.
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrations by Doris Barrette A charming look at a traditional and contemporary Thanksgiving celebration offers youngsters a chance to share their thanks for everything from play to family, kisses to piggyback rides. A picture book especially for ages 4-8.
Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, illustrations by Erin E. Stead It’s a message for young and old alike with a tale of hibernation and renewal as Bear sleepily travels through the fall landscape with “a story to tell” before winter’s sleep. Mouse, Duck, Frog and Mole are well into their own winter preparations and cannot listen. Months later, when the reunited friends gather beneath a full moon, Bear can’t remember his story. Helpfully, his friends suggest the possibilities and Bear begins his story.
The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote This poignant story by notable author Capote is for all ages. It brings to life what we all should cherish and be thankful for—the gifts of friendship and love. Enchanting illustrations by Beth Peck make The Thanksgiving Visitor a perfect companion for the holiday bookshelf. Thanksgiving Feast and Festival compiled by Mildred Corell Luckhardt This holiday book published in the 60’s is filled with stories, poems, essays and factual accounts of Thanksgiving customs and traditions in settings from Jerusalem to Holland and England to Jamaica.
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Library News December 2016
December is a perfect time to explore special holiday books for all ages. Take a look at the following books available in the library’s collection of books for children, young adults and adults. The library has a large collection of Christmas fiction that will be on display in the library this month. Max Lucado, Richard Paul Evans, Truman Capote and Glen Beck. Come take a look!
Children Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski An emotional and powerful classic holiday tale is made even more so by master illustrator Lynch’s large, detailed, and warm drawings. A must-have picture book, it is ideal for a Christmas read-aloud and especially enjoyed by ages 6-9.
Asbury First Book Fair As you start to think of shopping for Christmas, please consider buying your gifts on November 28 at Barnes & Noble in Pittsford. The Asbury Resource Library is holding a book fair there that day; a portion of the sales price of nearly anything you buy then will enable the library to buy new books. You simply tell the store clerk that you’re with the book fair, or present our book fair number (11994175) and they’ll credit your sale to our library. And, as you probably know, Barnes and Noble sells a lot more than books. Even sales of food and drink in the café are included in this fundraiser.
Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco This is a holiday picture book, based on a “true story” told as a church homily about a father’s reassignment from Memphis to a dilapidated church in Detroit, when damage from a blizzard ruins months of planning to restore the building in time for Christmas Eve services. But the elegant-looking, bargain-priced tapestry purchased to cover the damage brings about a miracle. The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury Everyone has heard the Christmas story before, but THE LAST STRAW is a unique and unforgettable new telling especially for ages 4-8. Youth The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. (ages 9-12) A china rabbit, a house, and a girl. And then one day, the rabbit, who is named Edward Tulane, disappears and begins a miraculous journey. Newbery medalist Kate diCamillo and artist Bagram Ibatoulline have created a piercingly beautiful story about love, loss, and the power to love again. March 3 by Congressman John Lewis, coauthor Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell.This third book in the award-winning trilogy tells the story of the Civil Rights movement in graphic novel format. Adult Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems – poetry/meditations Capturing the spirit of joyful celebration, these poems can be used in worship services, read aloud at family gatherings, or used by individuals for quiet reflection. Faces at the Manger by J. Barrie Shepard – poems, stories, and prayers In this Christmas classic, Barrie Shepherd describes the thoughts, feelings, questions, and dreams of those who gathered around that manger of long ago, as well as the faces that have been there in the centuries since
To make the event more enjoyable, we will once again be hosting the fabulous Asbury Ringers at 7 pm that day, as well as Asbury celebrity storytelling for children at 10 a.m. We hope to have an additional musical performance in the afternoon for those who don’t like to drive at night. Asbury wrappers (no, not rappers!) will be available from 4 pm to closing to gift-wrap your purchases if you like. Out of the area on November 30 or simply unable to attend on that day? You can still help by shopping at any Barnes and Noble store on Nov. 30 and presenting our book fair number (11994175) or shopping online at BN.com/bookfairs November 29-December 3 and entering the number on the checkout page. For any questions, please contact Diana Carter at (585) 732-7224 or DianaLouiseCarter@gmail.com.
The Asbury Resource Library Will Be at the Storehouse Craft Sale December 3 & 4
The ADVENTure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions by Lisa Whelchel This is a guide for those concerned that children are losing sight of Jesus in the midst of the distractions the holiday season brings. In addition, the library has a collection of Christmas stories by such authors as Debbie Macomber, Donna VanLiere, John Grishan, 18
We were given some very nice books that are not for our library and we will be offering them for sale for a nominal fee. We have a lot of mysteries (Louise Perry, Mary Higgins Clark, Jack Higgins, Charles Todd, Robert Galbraith), history books (WWII, Churchill, Russia, Kosovo, Dust Bowl, Middle East, Vietnam, etc.) as well as popular titles by Stieg Larsson (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), James Patterson, Tom Clancy, Stephen King, and books for animal lovers. Stop by and take a look.
The Last Word Asbury First Mission Team to Nicaragua
A team of 13 Asbury First members and 2 guests traveled to Masaya, Nicaragua June 24th through July 1st to work alongside the people of Project Chacocente. God’s presence was palpable as the cornerstone for the chapel at Chacocente Christian School was laid. As Juan Carlos, Family Coordinator, brought the stone to Rev. Susan Shafer for a blessing and placement, we were amazed to see the distinct figure of a cross on one side of it. Project Chacocente has been built on the belief that God is our strength and this seemed visible proof of God’s continued care over this ministry. Mission team members and our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters placed their hands on the stone as words of thanksgiving and hope were spoken. “This team has done more than we ever expected.” “Such hard workers…” Such were the comments heard from the Nicaraguan staff. Carrying hundreds of 90-pound cement blocks and mixing many, many batches of cement by hand with shovels and water, the 15 member team used every available moment to accomplish as much as possible during our visit. All the while, we worked alongside the people of Chacocente, following their instructions on how to best complete our tasks.
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The final day of work included the placement of small, colorful, luminescent glass stones on another large stone placed beside the chapel entrance. With each small stone, the staff, families of the Project and Asbury First team left a visible sign of the hope for a bright future for the children of the school and the families from the neighborhood. Asbury First has been in partnership with the people of Project Chacocente since 2007. Prior to that, in 2003, Thisie Schisler, a youth from our church, was a member of the Mission of Peace team that planted the seed for removing families from the Managua city dump. Many of our members have visited several times on weeklong mission trips and others have volunteered there for months at a time. Many in our congregation provide financial support through donations and child sponsorships. The Outreach Work Area has generously supported the building of the chapel and other vital aspects of the ministry. We will continue to walk alongside these good people as they lift themselves from poverty to self-sufficiency.
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A City United in Song, Singing for Peace Join Your Neighbor in Song
CITY SING FOR PEACE & UNITY DECEMBER 18 | 4 pm | Starting at the Sahlen’s Stadium
We invite you to join your neighbors on December 18 at 4 pm at the Sahlen’s Stadium for our Second Annual Walk for Peace. We will walk out together into the Josana neighborhood singing songs of peace.
Walk Together in Peace Singing Songs of Peace Song Books Will be Provided – Bring Your Own Candle
ALL ARE WELCOME Refreshments will be available for a small cost.